Istanbul Guide

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ZZVET/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

Architecture Architects and urban designers wanting to study the world’s best practice need go no further than İstanbul. Here, delicate minarets reach towards the heavens, distinctive domes crown hills, elegant mansions adorn the water’s edge and edgy art spaces claim contemporary landmark status. The skyline has wow factor in spades and the historical layers of the built environment are both handsome and fascinating – together, these offer travellers an exhilarating architectural experience.

Byzantine Architecture After Mehmet the Conquerer stormed into İstanbul in 1453 many churches were converted into mosques; despite the minarets, you can usually tell a church-cum-mosque by the distinctive red bricks that are characteristic of all Byzantine churches.

Above: Ceiling, Blue Mosque (p72)